Lupul attempts hit or headshot?

Don't think they'd suspend him based on intent given that they often choose not to suspend if there's no injury. Never liked that line of thinking, but that does seemt o be the precedent.

Wouldn't disagree that intent appears to be there though, from that angle. Lupul strangely seems to do this kinda thing from time to time (Hedman hit last year) - no idea why.

I will say that it's somewhat representative of our evening that he attempted a cheapshot and managed to clock Kadri instead.

Great post!

Intent is such a difficult thing to determine, and even though it seems fairly clear here, he didn't manage to successfully actualise his evil plans. Does someone get suspended for trying to do something bad, even though they fail? If he had connected, sure, but I'm of the opinion that this is not suspension-worthy.

I believe it is, but intent alone hasn't been grounds for a suspension that I can remember. It's only used as a secondary factor when assessing the severity.

Thanks. In that case I'd definitely be open to seeing fines for this type of thing. Just something to discourage behavior like this. Has no place in the game -- no need to wait until someone is concussed to crack down.

Intent is such a difficult thing to determine, and even though it seems fairly clear here, he didn't manage to successfully actualise his evil plans. Does someone get suspended for trying to do something bad, even though they fail? If he had connected, sure, but I'm of the opinion that this is not suspension-worthy.

Right. There's also plenty of other possible outcomes (could have hit his shoulder, his chest etc.) In my view, it's at least worth a fine and a discussion to make it clear that it's being watched.

I would also include it in a player's history if / when they actually do make contact on a similar play so they get a more severe penalty. You'd have less of the HFboard reaction that "what do you mean X player doesn't have a past history?? He's been running around like a dick for Y years now!" (which was many folks' reaction to the recent Kaleta incident).

If the intent wasn't actually there, the player in question probably doesn't ever wind up in a similar circumstance in the future where they'd actually connect on such a hit. If it is, you then take past indiscretions into account.

Obviously he attempted to elbow him in the head...any non-homer Leafs fan would be able to tell that. He won't get suspended and shouldn't, plus he ends up looking like the idiot when he misses and nails Kadri and then his team gets shut out by the goalie that they wanted no part of.

Obviously he attempted to elbow him in the head...any non-homer Leafs fan would be able to tell that. He won't get suspended and shouldn't, plus he ends up looking like the idiot when he misses and nails Kadri and then his team gets shut out by the goalie that they wanted no part of.

Obviously he attempted to elbow him in the head...any non-homer Leafs fan would be able to tell that. He won't get suspended and shouldn't, plus he ends up looking like the idiot when he misses and nails Kadri and then his team gets shut out by the goalie that they wanted no part of.

I really don't want to derail this thread, but I just feel obliged to say something about that last comment.

By all accounts, Dave Nonis really wanted to get Luongo, and if anything, the Leafs were the only team that wanted any part of Luongo last year.